Daily Republican., 1887-04-29
gazing out into the gloom which reign cd

gazing out into the gloom which reiRnet
over the clearing
He bad ut last made up his mind ths
ne had better retire, and was about d
do 30, when q sound from out the dark
ness fell upon lis ears. A hurryins
footstep was approaching The cabin
and rising to his feet. the u ttlsr peered
cut into the gloom TO catch \ Riim pse
CT his late visitor. His rife stood iusI
within the doorway, and instiu cti val v
his hand reached toward 1t, for he had
NO means OF knowing whether the Der.
son approaching WAS friend or foe.
But he was not long kept 10 suspense.
Straight toward the cabin the unknown
came, and rs the light flashed out
through the doorday and fell upon him
the settler excls;med,--
why, Ralph Hardy, is that you?
What 10 up to night that You are
abroad on the river? Are the rene.
gades up TO any OF their black work
and have you been giving them another
acAre?"
"Hushl Don't speak so loud! You
and yours are In dangsr TO night, and
perhaps the villains are now on the
e1ge OF the clearing. Blu. gave them
q good soare, I'll warrant me, as I
nave done many times before in nv
make up Is the river phantom But
think he Is bound to do his work, and
will not be turned aside by man or
devil. Only Q couple of ounces O; cold
lead will fix him aud the tool hs has
with him."
"Fix who?"
'Simon Plaisted. He is bound tn
have your life to night, and carry of
your daughter Rose.
"How do you know this?"
How do | know anything? What
do pervade the river for II 1t is not To
ind out what vil!ainy Is going on? L
knew their GRAND when they started.
and I know that they have landed
down yonder. and that 1t will not be-
long before they put In an appearance
"How can ever repay you for"
"His'l Into the caDirl They 70 com
ing nowl"
A moment more and the two men
stood within, with the door barred be.
hind them.
Had We not better have remained
without, and shot them down Ike
doRs?" said Winslow In q low tone, 20
that his voice might no. reach and
alarm the members OF his household
1--WE should have been shot down
ourselves before we saw them. Hark!I
can hear their footsteps. They are
here. Now We must show them DO |
mercy, or We are dead men ourselve D."
"Open the door," cried a voice which |
they reoop nizsd as that OF Plai.ted.
What do you wan,?" answered |
as he and his com panion |
sought the loopholes thar had beon lett |
IN the cabin walls for tae puipcss of |
1efeuse.
Open the door and 1 will tell you.
DOM you know the voice OF P aisted?"
'Yas, only too well. Don't you re.
mem Dor that weeks ago tod you net
70 show your lace here aksin?"
Yes, and for that you will suffer.
open YOUR door. or We will break 1t
Town."
These were the last words the villain
Uttered. The settler knew that it WAS
lie or death for him and hi, household.
who had gathered in alright ABOUND !
hem. He aud Ralph had each their
lilies to bsar uDon their msa. Another
moment and they rang out as Que rs.
port, and thsn ell was still.
They reloaded their pieces, nnd then,
''ter waiting a few moments, and no
ound coming from without, they eau.
lousy opened the door. Tten theyi
aw that there was no further need OIL
on their part. Both The vii.
ains lay dead, where they had dropped
n their tracks.
The next morning they buried Thorn
With lesj concern than they would have
u,ied couple OF bru;ss; and then
salph Hardy departed, in search OF
ow work to do for the protection and
Telfare Of this settlers along the river.